[todaysdate]
Paine Hamblen LLP, the law firm of accused by the Catholic Diocese of Spokane of mismanaging a 2007 bankruptcy and settlement regarding clergy sex abuse victims filed a motion in federal bankruptcy court this week to dismiss the claims.
The filing charges, “the current claims are simply an attempt to throw mud at Paine Hamblen to try to get some insurance money.”
The diocese is seeking $4 million in damages from the firm after alleging attorneys failed to disclose a conflict of interest in the case and were wrong about how many claims would be made against the church by abuse victims, according to the Spokesman-Review.
This week Bishop Blase Cupich sent a message to priests saying “how sorry I am if this development is causing you or your parishioners any distress.” He added that he still stands behind the lawsuit.
According to the National Catholic Reporter the motion is scheduled to be heard along with any potential Spokane diocese response by mid-December. If the motion to dismiss is not granted, a trial could take place in February.
